Shortage of vital medicines for chronically ill patients arises in Cyprus

A shortage of several drugs for patients with chronic diseases, as well as nutritional formulas for tube-fed individuals, has been reported in Cyprus. The Health Insurance Organisation and the Ministry of Health are urgently trying to find replacements, but some patients are already forced to pay for their treatment out of pocket.

The most serious situation has arisen with Carbimazole 5mg, which is used for hyperthyroidism and Graves' disease. According to the GeSY system, new deliveries are not expected until January 2027. Doctors have been advised to switch patients to alternative medications.

There is also an ongoing shortage of Seroquel XR 50mg for the treatment of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and depression. Resupply is expected in June, but there are no alternatives available yet.

The third problematic drug is Epirubicin for cancer patients. The authorities call the shortage temporary and expect deliveries from Greece in the coming days.

Additional difficulties have arisen for gastrostomy patients who require specialized nutritional formulas. People complain about the lack of products in hospital pharmacies and a complex bureaucratic system for obtaining prescriptions.

The Cyprus Federation of Patients' Associations stated that some families spend hundreds of euros monthly on vital formulas. Representatives of the organisation criticized outdated procedures and delays in informing pharmacies.

According to experts, access to new medicines in Cyprus can take more than 500 days — one of the worst rates in Europe.